MLB Rumors: J.D. Martinez, Mets Aren't Near Contract Agreement Despite Recent Buzz

The New York Mets and free-agent slugger J.D. Martinez are reportedly not close on a contract despite recent discussions.

Andy Martino of SNY.tv reported the two sides are not "anywhere near that sweet spot" necessary to complete a deal. The Mets are only targeting free agents they see as an "extreme value" as they look to rebound from last year's debacle of a season.

Martinez, 36, spent the 2023 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers after playing the previous five years with the Boston Red Sox. He remained one of the sport's best bats despite his advancing age, slashing .271/.321/.572 with 33 home runs and 103 runs batted in, making his sixth All-Star team in the process.

While he can still occasionally play outfield, Martinez largely serves as a designated hitter at this point in his career. He appeared in the outfield only three times in 113 games played in 2023 and did not play the field at all in 2022.

The Mets are currently projected to start Mark Vientos or DJ Stewart at the DH spot, so Martinez would represent a seismic upgrade. Daniel Vogelbach spent much of last year in that spot but is currently a free agent.

Martinez is one of several high-profile free agents still left on the market. Like most of the others, he is represented by Scott Boras, who does this song and dance every year to extract the maximum possible value out of his players.

Cody Bellinger and Matt Chapman, also represented by Boras, remain free agents as spring training draws near.